'U' announces commencement speakers

U.N. Development Programme Administrator Mark Malloch Brown will speak to advanced degree candidates during commencement activities Dec.

Religious majority doesn't understand atheist views

An atheist is kicked out of Boy Scouts for professing his beliefs. An Alabama Supreme Court justice erects a 5,200-pound granite shrine to the Ten Commandments in the state courthouse.

Project hopes to get new businesses to downtown Lansing

Lansing - Plans to beautify the 100 block of South Washington Square in downtown Lansing are running the gamut of local favor, as nearby businesses forecast the changes from "refreshing" to "a waste of money." The "streetscape" beautification project is part of Lansing Mayor David Hollister's Blue Ribbon Committee on Downtown Revitalization.

ASMSU doesn't squander money

As an ASMSU representative, I will not give an excuse for our "lack of responsibility" with the misplacing of software licenses.

Lusterless losses end season

The MSU football team's season was low-lighted by lackluster efforts, humiliating losses, several suspensions and the dismissal of the head coach before the end of the year. There were five losses by 21 points or more, five players who voluntarily left the team and six players suspended for one game or more. "It was a disaster," ESPN college football analyst Beano Cook said.

Next Senate leader urges non-vote on pay increase

State Senate Majority Leader-elect Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, is urging state compensation officials not to make a recommendation for a salary increase for state lawmakers this year. The bi-partisan State Officers Compensation Commission met recently to discuss the recommendation and possibly propose a pay increase for 2005.

Winter weather to bring wicked driving conditions

In freezing rain and with a foot of snow on the ground, accounting freshman Todd Westenbroek and his friend loaded into a 1987 Ford Bronco II for a little off-roading a week before last Christmas. On country roads near Holland, the pair passed a Jeep Cherokee before Westenbroek's car hit a patch of ice, causing it to fishtail.

Complexes, police feed 6 families

Some university families are guaranteed a fruitful Thanksgiving after three residence hall complexes filled a room full of food and MSU's Department of Police and Public Safety distributed it last week.For the department's third annual West Side Community Policing Team's food drive, more than enough food was collected in one month to feed six families who live in university apartments.With food donations from residents in Brody, West Circle and South complexes, large holiday baskets were assembled and given to each family.

Peters won't request for election recount

Three weeks after the final vote was cast in the Nov. 5 election, Mike Cox is officially the attorney general-elect after his opponent said he won't request a recount.Sen.

'Die Another Day' lacks surprises

Question the motivation of writers and the ideas they convey. Maybe it's me, but didn't the Cold War end in the 1990s?

Riots galore

Visions of gridiron greatness and riveting rivalries might come to mind when imagining heated matchups of college football teams.

MIDDAY UPDATE: 'U' research could reveal reason behind extinction of lobster relative

An MSU paleontologist is offering a new take on why trilobites became extinct 250 million years ago.Trilobites were relatives of lobsters and crabs, all in the arthropod family.Danita Brandt, a faculty member in the Department of Geological Sciences, said that reason for the extinction of trilobites can be attributed to inconsistent molting or shedding of their outer skeleton and inefficient behavior.Michael Velbel, chairperson of the Department of Geological Sciences, said it's the second biggest discovery in the past two weeks for the 18 faculty members in the department are all publishing work in major journals."It's terrific stuff," Velbel said.

Miller demoted back to Rochester Americans

After a two-game stint in the NHL, former MSU goaltender Ryan Miller was sent back to the minor-league Rochester Americans on Sunday. Miller went 1-0-0-1 in his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres, but he allowed eight total goals to the New Jersey Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets.

MIDDAY UPDATE: Vegetarians, vegans explore turkey alternatives during Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving gives people a chance to gather with loved ones and be thankful for what is important in their lives - it signals the start of the holiday season, and it's a prime time to overeat without guilt and scarf down loads and loads of turkey.Unless for some reason - whether it be ethical or having a distaste for the animal - you're a vegetarian or vegan.Vegetarians are those who do not eat any meat, only vegetables, fruits and sometimes eggs or dairy products.

MSU Extension hosts Dec. 5 Lansing workshop

MSU Extension in Ingham County, a program focused on bringing knowledge-based educational programs to the people of Michigan, will host the New County Commissioner Training Workshop on Dec.

Rogers to enter NFL Draft

It was perhaps the worst-kept secret in college football. But on Monday, MSU star receiver Charles Rogers made it official. He is going pro. Rogers confirmed the speculation during the team's year-end banquet. "I felt like today was a better day because I have my family and my teammates here," the 6-foot-4, 205-pound junior said after receiving the team's most valuable player award. "If you're projected to be a top-10 pick, you can't say no." Although Rogers was quick to point out during the past several weeks he hadn't made up his mind about whether he would forfeit his last year of college eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, there wasn't an analyst - or teammate - who expected him to stay. "We saw it coming.

Police briefs 11/26/02

Women's cross country places 12th in NCAAs Women's cross country places 12th in NCAAs

The MSU men's and women's cross country teams closed their seasons at the NCAA Championships on Monday in Terre Haute, Ind. The women's team placed 12th, falling one spot from last year.

MIDDAY UPDATE: Increasing amenities are forcing E.L. businesses to renovate

Apartment hot tubs, tanning beds and movie theaters have increased the demand for renovations of downtown businesses.

World AIDS Day to honor people who died

World AIDS Day will be observed at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Wharton Center. The event will honor people who have died from an AIDS-related illnesses. In 2001, 900,000 people in the United States reported living with HIV and AIDS. Olin Health advocates and various student organizations will participate in the event by tying 500 ribbons on trees across campus.